Cheers for Emporia State University filled Emporia State University’s KSTC Ballroom today as nearly 400 people gathered to celebrate the institution’s 150th birthday. The annual Founders’ Day luncheon marks the start of a year-long celebration.

The program included cutting a ceremonial birthday cake and hearing from speakers about Emporia State’s past, present and future. Emporia State University was founded Feb. 15, 1863, as Kansas State Normal School to train teachers.

“I focus on the future every day,” said Dr. Michael D. Shonrock, the 16th president of Emporia State University. “We need to think about what we can do today that will ultimately change the future.”

To accommodate the large crowd of faculty, staff, students, community members and dignitaries, event organizers took advantage of technology added to the Memorial Union during its recently completed $25 million renovation. The luncheon was held in the KSTC Ballroom, three adjacent meeting rooms and the Preston Family Room on the north side of the union. Diners in the Preston Family Room were able to view the festivities broadcast from the ballroom.